SIMON Wroxley lived up to the promise he showed in last year's Hounslow Hill Climb by winning this year's event.

The Hounslow & District Wheelers cyclist came second last year, but went one better on Sunday after improving his time by 12 seconds.

However, the 20-year-old was pushed hard by veteran Marc Cunnington, who despite being 30 years Wroxley's senior, was only 0.9 of a second behind.

Wheelers spokesman Chris Lovibond said:

"Simon owes this win, at least in a small way, to his clubmates shouting encouragement on the final steep bend.

"These exhortations usually have no visible effect on competitors, but on this occasion, when Simon's concentration seemed to be wavering, he appeared to be galvanised into action by the noise and accelerated away up the last 100 yards to take the medal.

"Mention should be made of Marc's resilience as it is generally acknowledged that the ability to climb is the fastest thing to fade as a cyclist ages."